paddleboat
noun
pad·dle·boat
ˈpa-dᵊl-ˌbōt 
1
: a boat propelled by one or more large paddle wheels typically powered by a steam engine
… a new sidewheel paddleboat of the sort that once carried New Yorkers on harbor and Hudson River trips—
Richard F. Shepard
Richard F. Shepard2
US
: a small recreational boat powered by pedals that turn a paddle wheel
Paddleboats are curious vessels. They can be steered and they're powered by foot pedals so the effect is something like riding a bicycle on water.—Daniel Chang
Daniel Changcalled also pedal boat, (British) pedalo
Examples of paddleboat in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Stillwater River Boats offers seasonal tours of the St. Croix on an old-fashioned paddleboat, including sightseeing and jazz brunch cruises.
—Caroline Eubanks, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2025
One of Snorkel Park’s best aspects is that the beach has ample amenities to rent, including snorkel equipment, paddleboats, kayaks, sun umbrellas, lounge chairs, and cabanas.
—Sandy Allen, AFAR Media, 10 Jan. 2025
The current mural is composed of five historical scenes, beginning in the upper left- hand corner with the depiction of the paddleboat Wanderer that hauled cargo on the New River in the late 1800s.
—Lisa J. Huriash, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2025
In the summer, the river is crowded with paddleboats, kayaks and other personal watercraft as people row up to watch.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 Jan. 2025
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Caroline Eubanks, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2025
One of Snorkel Park’s best aspects is that the beach has ample amenities to rent, including snorkel equipment, paddleboats, kayaks, sun umbrellas, lounge chairs, and cabanas.
—Sandy Allen, AFAR Media, 10 Jan. 2025
The current mural is composed of five historical scenes, beginning in the upper left- hand corner with the depiction of the paddleboat Wanderer that hauled cargo on the New River in the late 1800s.
—Lisa J. Huriash, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2025
In the summer, the river is crowded with paddleboats, kayaks and other personal watercraft as people row up to watch.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paddleboat
Cite this Entry
“Paddleboat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paddleboat. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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